The Empathy Project: Film Screening & Discussion

Join us for a special screening of The Empathy Project’s 30-minute documentary featuring voices from the animal advocacy movement. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tristan Copley-Smith, the film celebrates public concern for animals and works to normalize compassion and action on their behalf. The Empathy Project’s mission is to reframe human relationships with animals in ways that benefit all. Their work is a beautiful example of humane education in action, addressing the interconnected systems of animal exploitation that impact humans, animals, and the environment, and the mindsets that sustain harm. Founder Bel Jacobs will join us to share a bit about the inspiration behind the film and her vision for its impact. We’ll watch the film together, followed by a group discussion. Designed with a wide audience in mind, this event is for anyone interested in growing empathy toward animals, educating others, or taking action on their behalf—in any setting. The film also asks: can empathy enable sustained, creative responses to other areas of injustice such as climate and ecological breakdown? Note: This film does not contain explicit footage but includes verbal descriptions of violence toward animals. From director Tristan Copley-Smith: “Many films approach animal advocacy by shocking audiences with the very real violence our systems do to animals. With this film, we wanted to take a different approach: to try and understand the internal emotional experience that has transformed our subjects into making animal justice such a central part of their lives."